I’ve got two words that are guaranteed to make your mouth water: Salted … Caramels. So brown sugar-buttery, milk chocolaty, topped with fresh rock salt that I was nearly drooling over as manager Anne Gregory of Goody’s Chocolate gave me a sample of their most popular item here, at the Eugene location in the 5th Street Public Market. I stopped by the shop to get an inside scoop on why this local and very unique chain has stellar reviews on Yelp! and is a crowd pleaser from locals to travelers looking for a treat straight off I-5.
Founded 31 years ago by owners Dane and Jvon Danforth, Goody’s currently has eight locations and seven partnering stores. What I loved about Goody’s is not only their unique selection of sweets and treats, but also the freshness of it all. The chocolate sold in the Eugene location is actually made fresh in the store by the people who work there. Just like anything else in Oregon, you know it’s going to be just as unique as it’s people; dark chocolate covered Oreos, milk chocolate potato chips and milk chocolate sea foam were just a few that caught my eye, and my sweet tooth. There is also a wide assortment of truffles as well as your other favorite classics, just as I found satisfaction in my favorite milk chocolate and caramel duo.
“At this time of year, our most popular item, especially for Halloween is our gummy body parts,” Anne gleefully told me. She motioned over to behind the counter of chocolates where an entire wall of glass jars held every gummy and loose hard candy that ever lived. From gummy frogs, to pumpkins, and sour belts, you can also find classics like candy buttons and Jelly Beans. Speaking of classics, Anne led me to another corner of the store that held not only candies that you could find at the local mini mart, which she said are popular with travelers passing through Eugene, but a small section dedicated to all of the nostalgia candy. You name it, Abba-zaba, Charleston Chew, U-No and everything under the sun packed into a little corner of childhood we all love to remember. “Oh, I love these hamburger gummies! My grandpa always used to give me these when I was a kid” joyfully reflects UO student, Aaron Smirnoff.
And that is not even the half of it. Goody’s also has gourmet popcorn that comes in some of the wildest flavors I’ve ever seen; pizza, banana and green apple are just a few. Of course, the delectable peanut butter chocolate and caramel corn is also available. “I hand season and drizzle the popcorn myself” proudly states Anne.
Lastly, what sweet shop would be complete without ice cream? In fact, just in time for Halloween, this Friday will have a special delivery of flavors including pumpkin spice, Dutch apple, brownie batter and Oreo.
Next time you’re thinking about gifts this season, head over to Goody’s to pick up some last minute treats on your way home for the holidays because this sweet little gem is everything you need to treat a crowd or just yourself.
Follow Goody’s on Instagram @goodyseugene
Follow Audrey Bittner @PodgeTown